1954-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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TOWN OF LEXINGTON 27 $5,000 annually was sufficient. About five years ago the annual appropriation was increased to $30,000 and then to $34,000 which took care of a few of the most serious areas. It has been a policy of expediency and up to now has been enough. In 1955 the Board of Selectmen will recommend the construction of two major drains, both a result of large hous- ing developments. The first is the Bartlett Avenue area and the second is the triangle bounded by Marrett Road, Waltham and Bridge Streets. It is hoped that after these areas are drained we may return to a smaller annual outlay. Water Mains D, In 1955 we will recommend the construction of two major links in the system of 12" mains; Waltham Street from Mar- rett Road to Concord Avenue and Concord Avenue from the Cutler Farm to Pleasant Street. Eventually the town will have a complete circle of these large mains with many connecting laterals. Sidewalks and Curbings E. Our recommendations to the 1955 Annual Town Meeting will include substantial amounts for sidewalks and curbings. The need has been evident for a long time, but only minor ap- propriations have been made. A definite program should be started so that eventually there will be sidewalks and curbings on the streets most heavily travelled by school children. New Town Office Building F. In 1928 when the present Town Office Building was com- ple;ed it was thought that the Police Department of eight men would be adequately housed in the basement, for pos- sibly ten years allowing for some increase in personnel. That was twenty-six years ago when the population of the Town was between 7,000 and 8,000. The need for a modern Police Station is self evident. Just a visit to our present station will convince one that it never was really adequate. The work load of a modern police department is many times what it was before automobiles were used to the extent that 28 ANNUAL REPORTS they are now and modern methods require much more equip- ment and detailed records. The Board of Selectmen will recommend to the Annual Town Meeting in March, the appointment of a committee to obtain plans and specifications for the construction of a new Town Office Building to house the Police Department and also to provide additional space for other departments now seriously overcrowded. Parking Lots G. Our first municipal parking lot has been a huge success as proven by its capacity use, and if Lexington is to maintain a high valuation in the center more parking spaces must be available. A huge new shopping center is planned on Route 3 near the Woburn -Winchester line. If Lexington is to maintain the assessed valuation, it is essential that the mer- chants are not hampered. The Selectmen are therefore supporting the Planning Board in its recommendation for the construction of a new parking area in the now unused land in the rear of Massachusetts Avenue between Waltham and Muzzey Streets, This can be provided with no effect on the tax rate as the entire cost will be paid from the parking meter receipts. Incidentally, these funds can be used only for the purchase of additional parking lots and the care and maintenance of the same. We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all town personnel for loyal and conscientious effort put into the work involved in operating the town's business, a corporation of more than $41,000,000. We would be remiss if we failed to express our appreciation to the members of all Boards, Committees and Commissioners who willingly devote unlimited time to projects and problems involved in the operation of the town. These individuals who contribute so much to the town without remuneration are a definite asset to the community and deserve the thanks of every resident. HASKELL W. REED FREDERICK M. GAY LEON W. BATEMAN RAYMOND W. JAMES WILLIAM E. MALONEY Selectmen of Lexington